The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Early Review

The Herdmans were absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world.

And that’s the whole point.

Love Thy Nerd received an advance copy of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” from Lionsgate, which comes to theaters on November 8, and this is our early review.

Barbara Robinson’s international bestselling book is brought to life in this movie directed by Dallas Jenkins, who is also the director of “The Chosen” series. In fact, you’ll see a few familiar faces from “The Chosen” playing small parts in this film.

This film follows Beth (Molly Belle Wright), a young girl who frequently has run-ins with the Herdmans—six children who are the definition of “rough around the edges.” The story is narrated by an adult Beth (Lauren Graham, “Gilmore Girls”).

But the story is really about two characters: Beth’s mom, Grace (Judy Greer), and the head of the Herdman siblings, Imogene (Beatrice Schneider). Both characters find themselves in tough situations that they volunteered for by letting their pride take over, but are fueled deep down by a desire to do something great.

When the woman who has led the town’s Christmas Pageant for several years finds herself bedridden with broken legs, Grace steps up to take on the job, not realizing what she has gotten herself into.

Meanwhile, the Herdmans show up at the church one Sunday in search of snacks. When they are promised treats if they stick around, they attend Sunday School just as the pageant is looking for volunteers to play the parts. Imogene and her siblings intimidate all the other children into not volunteering, leaving them as the only options.

This is the premise of the movie.

Of course, I won’t spoil the story for you, but I have several thoughts to share.

First of all, this movie is a wonderful tale of redemption, told in a way vastly different from a typical faith-based film. In fact, the movie becomes a sort of underdog story, reminiscent of films like “The Mighty Ducks” and several other sports-based kids’ movies from the ’90s. You find yourself rooting for these terrible children, unsure if they can come through in the end.

It also, unfortunately, showcases a lot of issues within the church, particularly the gatekeeping we tend to do to keep out those who might be deemed “undesirable.” But as Beth’s father, Bob (Pete Holmes), says in the film, “We all need to remember, Christmas comes for everyone.”

The story is funny, heartwarming, and surprising at times. It feels like a Christmas classic when you’re watching it, and honestly, it’s bound to be one. The book came out in 1972 and has remained popular ever since. This isn’t even the first time it was made into a film. In 1983, it was made into an hour-long TV movie. Frankly, it’s long overdue for a feature-length adaptation.

Similar to “The Chosen,” Dallas Jenkins does a fantastic job of escaping that “Christian movie” feel that often accompanies faith-based films. It doesn’t feel cheap, it doesn’t feel underproduced, it doesn’t feel watered down. In fact, the score, the camera work, the lighting—all beautiful. The casting, the acting, the screenplay—all phenomenal. Honestly, I’m struggling to find anything to be critical of.

Well, I do have one complaint: I wanted a lot more Pete Holmes.

I’m sorry, “Red One,” but “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is bound to be this year’s standout holiday film.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” comes to theaters on November 8. Make plans to see it. It will be the perfect way to kick off the Christmas season for you and the whole family.

All images provided by Allen Fraser for Lionsgate.